On Sunday, December 17th at the First Congregational Church, Natick hosted its fourth annual Vigil Remembering Those Who Lost Their Lives to Addiction. The gathering of approximately 75 people shared music, tears, and memories of loved ones who passed away as a result of substance use. The event, sponsored by Natick Interfaith Clergy, Natick Opioid Task Force, Natick Together for Youth, SPARK Kindness, SOAR Natick (Supporting Our Addicts Recovery), the Natick Community Services Department, the Natick Fire Department, the Natick Health Department, the Natick Police Department and Natick Public Schools, included comments by community leaders who are working to reduce the rates of opioid overdoses in Natick. Rev. Vicky Guest, Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Natick, spoke of the candlelight of the vigil cutting through the darkness of addiction and grief that so many Natick residents experience, particularly during the holiday season. Katie Sugarman, Prevention and Outreach Program Manager for the Town, commented that the lives of the individuals remembered at the vigil were not defined by addiction. “They were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends and neighbors. There was more to their lives than the addiction they experienced.”
Lt. Cara Rossi and Det. Christian Rodriguez of the Natick Police Department spoke about the desire of first responders to provide help and support to the individuals and families who are impacted by addiction every day. Addressing those in the audience who might be in the midst of addiction Det. Rodriguez said, “It’s important to remember that even broken crayons can color. We’re all crayons, and as broken as we might be, we can still color.”
At the conclusion of the event, community members walked around the perimeter of the Natick Common carrying candles and then returned to the church for a reception sponsored by the Natick Rotary Club.
Natick residents who would like to learn more about the Natick Opioid Task Force are encouraged to contact Katie Sugarman at 508-647-6623 or csugarman@natickma.org.